Mum turns home into pop-up foodbank (From Borehamwood Times)

Mum Sheila Carlisle turns Borehamwood home into pop-up foodbank

10:58am Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in News By Anna Slater

The country has fallen on tough times with many worried about where their next meal will come from – but one mum is determined to make sure nobody goes hungry.

Sheila Carlisle, of Grenfell Close, Borehamwood, first set up a pop-up foodbank in her home after feeling a “spiritual calling” last year.

Putting her culinary skills to good use, she now shares her lunch and dinner table with at least ten people a day – including the elderly, disabled and the sick.

The 48-year-old said: “I am satisfied with what I have in life so became determined to help those less fortunate than me.

“I hate it when I see people wasting food and chucking it in the bin, especially when there are so many people struggling to eat.

“I just felt like I had to help and I decided this is how I wanted to do it. I have never looked back – having people join me in my kitchen is a delight.

“Volunteering really makes you thankful for what you have. I do not take anything for granted. Everyone loves my food so I know I am doing a good job.”

In between volunteering for the TimeBank, she spends her afternoons driving home-cooked meals to those who struggle to get out of the house.

She cooks vegetarian food – her favourite – with her speciality being homemade cakes and sweet treats.

The mum-of-two added: “With government funding cuts, a lot of people are finding it hard but being well nourished is one of the most important things.

“I visit one man who is disabled but he gets no help from social services and because he is not deemed sick enough to have a carer.

“Seeing the smile on his face when I bring him a hot meal every day is just priceless.”

If you want to benefit from Mrs Carlisle’s food bank, e-mail Carlisle.sheila@gmail.com.